The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-14
THE IRISH PROBLEM.

THE IRISH PROBLEM.
A Change In the Attitude of the Tories-Bal-
four Insists upon Suspension of Evictions.
BosTcN, March 13.-The Herads London cor
respondent states that there is reason for be-
lievng that only modified form of coercion. if
any at all, will be carried at this session of Par
lament. The attitude of the government on
the Irish question has changed perceptibly,
either through irresoution through con-
viction of error. There is now some disposition
to relieve the crimes bill of its severest features,
but the more conspicuous tendency is to intro
duce first and secure the passage of a bill to
suspend evictions 1t is difficult to explain what
las wrought so great an alteration in Lord Sails
bury's views as to lead HIM to consent to
measure which, in effect, will be like the bill
Parnell proposed at the opening Of the session.
and which the COVE. nment then rejected
with contumely. Probably it is safe to
assume that there has been no change in
the Premiers feelings. but that he has
become convinced that the public
sentiment of the country will not support him in
extreme measures. The Plan of Campaign and
the Glenbeign eviction horrors have had strong
reflex effect upon this side of the channel. 1t
looks as though Mr.. Gladstone would soon see
vindicated the prophecy with which he went out
of ofice-that the sober second thought of the
people would gradually sec the justice of lenen
cy toward the Irish people. The Cabinet puz-
zled over the situation at their meeting yester-
day, and finally dispersed without having
! reached any definite conclusion as to the course
of action to be pursued Rt. Hon. A. j. Bal
four, the new Secretary for Ireland, is credited
with being the one who insists upon a suspension
Of evictions as preface to stringent legis-
lation. 1t is whispered, however, that
| this is merely blind to throw all the
responsibility for the change of front upon the
new colleague and prevent the lack of settled
| political principle in the Cabinet from becom-
| ing too apparent Mr.. Balfour, as the result
| of his brief personal examination of affairs,
| has hastened to announce that he confirms
| Sir Michael Hcks-B -Beachs report denying the
| existence of Invincibles OR of any similar MUIR
| derous conspiracy in Ireland. ANY dangerous
discomfort that exists, ne says, is local. and pro-
| duces outrages by bands of isolated local NAL
contents. The Dublin executive officials have
aba ndoned precautions for personal defense.
| The Marquis of Londonderry, whose very name
seemed at first to insure his assassination, now
|
Balfour declares that he does not believe there
| is any more need of protection for the crown
| officials in Dublin than there is for
Ministers in London. The substance of
| his recommendations is cessation of evictions
simultaneously with laws against boycotting, for
| the summary punishment of local outrages, and
| for the suppression of seditious meetings With
these laws in operation, Ireland will wait peace
| fully in the hope of some time securing a sweep
| ing measure of agrarian reform. Balfour is not
believed, by those who know hira best, to have
| any particular warmth Of heart toward Ireland
and his recommendations are purely in the line
| of craftsmanship. He is, in fact. a good deal
more Of an opportunist than any Of his col
leagues, and ne has simply proposed what he sees
| is the .easiest way Of escaping the dilemma in
which the government has found itself II
the Cabinet decides after all, to pro
| ceed with the crimes act without
interfering with the work of eviction, Mr. Bal
four will still remain at his post His convic
| tions of policy do not amount to principle
All that he is bent upon is to redeem the repu
tation of the government as to its ability tc
govern Ireland. Whatever the future course OF
legislation may be, he is ready to face any re
| Suits Oh repreSSlVe measures. Ills frl6nCS de-
| scribe him as sken arstocrat in tastes, OF
broad capacity and engaging personality but
| with heart of steel-like indifference. His sud
den alleged conversion to conciliatory measures
of non. eviction is ascribed wholly to motives OF
policy.
General Buffers evidence before the roya|
Irish commission continues to annoy and per
plex the government and the Tory leaders II
is impossible to ignore the fact that his opinion
must have an influence upon legislation. The
Conservatives having tried desperately, but in
vain. to have his most damaging admissions gar
bled or Suppressed in the report of the commits
sion, are now devoting their efforts to mimmiz
ing the Importance Of what he is known to have
said. They assert that his inferences are un
sound and are animated by radicalism; that his
expressions loose, and resemble those of q
novice in political economy, etc., but all this
cannot efface from the memory of the people the
fact that when he went to Irela nd, Butler was
an uncompromising Tory, ready to lash the Irish
| into obedience of law. and that the result of his
personal observation has been conviction tha,
| the law is to blame and not the people.
GENERAL FOREIGN NEWS.
| A Coming Jubilee Tournament in Which
Enpland.s ArIstocracy VIII Participate.